Theology on the Go

Jonathan and James sit down with their friend, Michael Morales, Professor of Biblical Studies at Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, to discuss Volume 1 of his recently released commentary on the Book of Numbers, which covers Chapters 1 through 19. Ten years in the making, this much-anticipated work sheds light on a part of the Bible often referenced yet rarely preached and explained.

Those opening chapters are not simply packing up to go on a journey, it's really what the entire meeting with God at Sinai has been about. And so you get the creation of the covenant community – the first time in history God dwelling literally in the midst of His people…that became the linchpin. Then I realized the rest of the book is analyzing this thing that we call "covenant community." – Michael Morales

Together, they discuss the concept of the covenant community, the significance of the Tabernacle, and how the structure of the camp reveals deeper theological truths about communion with God. Tune in to hear about the ongoing relevance of Numbers, its positive vision for life, and the surprising challenge it offers to contemporary Christians. 

Thanks to the generosity of Wiley Publishing, a division of Intervarsity Press, we are pleased to offer a copy of Numbers 1-19 (Apollos Old Testament Commentary) by L. Michael Morales to our listeners. Enter here. 

Show Notes:

https://www.alliancenet.org/giving-tuesday

Hosts Jonathan Master and James Dolezal welcome back J.V. Fesko, the Harriet Barber Professor of Systematic and Historical Theology at Reformed Theological Seminary, to discuss his new book, The Giver of Life: The Biblical Doctrine of the Holy Spirit and Salvation, in which John reflects on the person and work of the Holy Spirit and his role in salvation. With many other historic texts available which address this topic, why did John want to write about the Holy Spirit?

Every generation has to own the teaching of Scripture in order to pass it on to future generations. We can’t just assume it. We have to own it. – J.V. Fesko

Through a combination of biblical, historical, and theological study, Fesko illuminates the blessing of God’s presence with his people. This episode is a rich discussion for anyone interested in deepening their understanding of the Holy Spirit's work in salvation.

Thanks to the generosity of Lexham Press, we are pleased to offer two copies of The Giver of Life: The Biblical Doctrine of the Holy Spirit and Salvation, by J.V. Fesko. Enter here. 

He's back! Gary Schnittjer, honorary Theology on the Go host, sits down with James and Jonathan to discuss his book, How to Study the Bible's Use of the Bible: Seven Hermeneutical Choices for the Old and New Testaments, which he co-wrote with Matthew Harmon. Intended for students of both testaments, Schnittjer's latest book demonstrates how the Old Testament's use of Scripture provides resources for the New Testament authors' use of Scripture. 

"The Old Testament interpretation of itself set the course for the New Testament interpretation of the Old Testament." – Gary Schnittjer

How to Study the Bible's Use of the Bible is a model for students to ground hermeneutics in biblical evidence and provide insight into understanding why the Bible's use of the Bible is essential. After this conversation, Jonathan even comes around to Gary's point of view.

"You've opened my heart to the study of hermeneutics with this book, and so I owe you a great debt of gratitude." – Jonathan Master

Thanks to the generosity of Zondervan Academic, we are pleased to offer two copies of How to Study the Bible's Use of the Bible by Gary Schnittjer and Matthew Harmon. Enter here. 

Show Notes:

How to Study the Bible's Use of the Bible: Seven Hermeneutical Choices for the Old and New Testaments by Gary Schnittjer and Matthew Harmon

https://www.amazon.com/How-Study-Bibles-Bible-Hermeneutical/dp/0310142458

Videos associated with the book: https://masterlectures.zondervanacademic.com/products/how-to-study-the-bible-s-use-of-the-bible

Join James, Jonathan, and their friend, Jeffrey Stivason, pastor of Grace Reformed Presbyterian Church and a professor at Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary, as they resume their insightful and practical discussion of John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress in Part 3 of the series. Together, they explore the significance of the Palace Beautiful and its representation of the Church. 

Bookending this whole section is…the importance of the Church, the importance of Christian fellowship as we walk our pilgrimage as followers of Jesus Christ. – Jonathan Master

This episode provides deep insights into the importance of the Church, the role of pastors, and the transformative power of Christian fellowship. Don’t miss it! And if you’re following along, plan to read through the Valley of Humiliation and Into the Valley of the Shadow of Death for next time.

For the opportunity to win a copy of The Pilgrim’s Progress, thanks to the generosity of Banner of Truth, enter here. 

Show Notes:

The Pilgrim’s Progress: https://reformedresources.org/the-pilgrims-progress-clothbound/

Pictures from Pilgrim’s Progress: https://reformedresources.org/pictures-from-pilgrims-progress-paperback/

James and Jonathan sit down with Ian Vaillancourt, professor of Old Testament and Hebrew at Heritage Theological Seminary, to discuss his book, The Dawning of Redemption: The Story of the Pentateuch and the Hope of the Gospel. Why is reading and studying the Pentateuch essential as a foundation for understanding the story of redemption revealed in the rest of Scripture?

Imagine arriving at a movie fifteen minutes late, and you're all excited to settle in to see the movie, and very quickly realize, "I don't get it." And that's a little bit of what reading the Bible is like without understanding these first five books. It's the first act in the Bible's grand story of redemption. – Ian Vaillancourt

Ian talks about the books of Moses in an engaging, clear way. He systematically examines the themes of creation, the fall, the exodus, genealogies, and more and how they point to and culminate in Christ and his redemptive work for us.

We are pleased to award two copies of The Dawning of Redemption by Ian Vaillancourt to our faithful listeners, courtesy of Crossway Books. Congratulations Donnie H. from Colorado Springs, CO and Neal Y. from Ashville, AL!

Back on the podcast for the third time, Terry Johnson, senior pastor of Independent Presbyterian Church in Savannah, GA, sits down with James and Jonathan to discuss his book, Understanding Family Worship. A companion piece to The Family Worship Book, this work lays the foundation for why family worship is important from a historic perspective and then develops the elements and practices of family worship.  

Family worship has been a foundation of faith for many families across many generations, but there are certainly barriers to this practice, including feelings of inadequacy and time restraints. Still, Terry believes these challenges can and should be overcome for the whole family's benefit. 

I think that's part of the attraction of Terry's work on worship is that it's biblical grounded, it's presented in an understandable and reasonable manner, and I think that our listeners who aren't practicing this would be really encouraged to think constructively about the necessity of it. – James Dolezal

We are pleased to award two copies of Understanding Family Worship: Its History, Theology and Practice by Terry Johnson to our listeners, as well as a bonus copy of The Family Worship Book, courtesy of Christian Focus Publications. Congratulations to Tonia W. from Anna, TX and Matthew B. from Manchester, NH!

Show Notes:

The Family Worship Book: https://www.christianfocus.com/products/261/the-family-worship-book

Though we know God is righteous, defining that term can be challenging. What does it mean that God is righteous? How do we define and describe God's righteousness? How is it connected to divine justice? How does He demonstrate His righteousness? 

James and Jonathan take a fresh look at this topic, considering the various forms of righteousness and how they apply to our Holy God and, therefore, to us as His redeemed children.

We need to actually say that righteousness is something that God is; it's not simply something that He simply demonstrates through His works, but it's who He is. – Jonathan Master

Take time to meditate on God's righteousness with James and Jonathan as they discuss this important topic. 

We were pleased to award two copies of Everlasting Righteousness; How Shall Men Be Just with God by Horatius Bonar to our listeners, courtesy of Banner of Truth. Congratulations to Lawrence E. from Evansville, WY and Sam V. from Bakersfield, CA!

Show Notes:

James Dolezal’s article on Ligonier: https://www.ligonier.org/learn/articles/god-is-righteous

Award-winning author and editor Donald McKim joins James and Jonathan to discuss his book, Daily Devotions with Herman Bavinck. Bavinck was a significant Reformed scholar and theologian whose popularity has increased in recent years. Though Bavinck did not leave behind a body of devotional material, Don has written eighty-four brief devotional readings accompanied by Scripture exploring Bavinck's thoughts to deepen readers' understanding and faith.

Donald McKim's book is doing for Bavinck what earlier Dutch Reformed theologians had done for themselves, which is step you into that practical application, and there's nothing unnatural about it. It feels like exactly the next step that you should take. – James Dolezal 

With Bavinck, McKim understands that Christian belief is to be joined with Christian living, and he has given us an excellent practical application of Bavinck's theology.

Thanks to the generosity of our friends at P&R Publishing, we are pleased to award two copies of  Donald McKim's book to our listeners. Congratulations to Brandon H. from Thompsons Station, TN and Alex H. from Cuyahoga Falls, OH!

Show Notes:

Reformed Dogmatics by Herman Bavinck in 4 volumes: http://bakerpublishinggroup.com/books/reformed-dogmatics-4-volumes/291090

Other books by Donald McKim: https://www.prpbooks.com/authors/donald-k-mckim

According to Joseph Pipa, "We need a robust theology of tithing" to remain faithful Christians. Jonathan and James sit down with Dr. Pipa to discuss his booklet, What Are the Benefits of Biblical Stewardship and Tithing?, in which he establishes the duty of tithing from both the Old and New Testaments and shows us that our stewardship is an essential act of worship that flows from the grace of God. In addition, there are spiritual blessings in this life for those who tithe.

"I see two things in particular – that it mortifies greed and covetousness, and it teaches us to live by faith. And then of course, it sets our eyes on heaven and laying up treasures in heaven, directing through that our hearts there that God would focus them on him." – Joseph Pipa

When we give faithfully, we and others enjoy blessings as the needs of the church are met at home and throughout the world.

We gave away three copies of Dr. Pipa’s booklet to our listeners. Congratulations Cruz T. from Waco, TX, Jatniel P. from Mansfield, TX, and Jorge M. from Fall River, MA. Thank you Reformation Heritage Books!

“When I survey the wondrous cross, on which the Prince of Glory died, my richest gain I count but loss, and pour contempt on all my pride.” 

Returning guest Geoffrey Thomas joins James and Jonathan today for an inspiring conversation about his new book, Knowing the Cross, in which he investigates God's Word to understand the true meaning of the cross of Christ. How did this instrument of death become a symbol of life? How did the verdict of bad news for Jesus become a declaration of good news for His people? 

"Jesus took my place and bore my condemnation, so now I don't face a tut-tutting God, I don't face a cold welcome, a slightly frowning God who sees me with all the inconsistencies of my life because Jesus Christ has removed every molecule of my guilt, all my shame, all my inadequacies."  – Geoff Thomas 

As James says, "The cross actually means something, and it's not whatever we want it to mean, but it's what the Scripture says it means." Listen as Geoff encourages us to love the cross and God's glorious work through it. 

Congratulations to the following listeners, each of whom won a copy of Knowing the Cross, courtesy of Reformation Heritage Books: John F. from York, PA, Stephen D. from Wheaton, IL, and Jonathan W. from El Paso, TX.

Show Notes:

The Death of Death, by John Owen